On Oct. 14, 2021, Cepheid announced it had received the CE mark for Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus, a rapid molecular diagnostic test for qualitative detection of the viruses causing COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B, and respiratory syncytial virus infections from a single patient sample. The new plus version of the test provides a third gene target for SARS-CoV-2 detection to meet the challenge of future viral mutations. Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus is designed for use on any of Cepheid’s over 35,000 GeneXpertﾮ Systems placed worldwide, with results delivered in approximately 36 minutes.

Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented globally during the pandemic. Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Adding a 3rd gene target to the plus version of Cepheid’s CoV-2/Flu/RSV test delivers broader coverage to mitigate the possible effects of future viral genetic drift.

Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus was expected to begin shipping to countries accepting CE-marked products later in the month.